Summary
This activity works nicely as an “ice breaker” at the beginning of a
dinner, meeting, small group gathering, or other event. The
facilitator invites the group to consider the significance of
seemingly mundane objects for God’s work in the world.
Purpose
To awaken group participants to the opportunities for ministry which
surround them each day by:
- raising awareness of the
connections between ordinary life and faith
- identifying and recognizing each
person’s unique strengths and abilities
Materials
Gather a wide variety of typical workplace objects. Ideas include:
- Mixing spoon
- Hammer
- Milk pail
- Chalk
- Stethoscope
- Financial report
- Phone
- Badge
- Shoe
- Rake
- Artist brushes
- School book
- Baby bottle
Steps
- Select 2-3 daily work items.
- Place one object before the group
and ask, "How could this object be used to further God’s creative
work in the world?"
- Note: Encourage the group to
brainstorm at least 5 applications.
- Repeat with additional objects.
Tips
Consider making use of these follow
up questions:
- Which people or institutions might
use this object?
- Which people or institutions might
benefit from this object?
- Can this object be misused? How?
Resources
Decker, William A. "In Search
of Quotes" Lutheran Partners. March/April 2004.
Here are two highlights:
1. Decker seeks, but fails to
find, the source of Luther's oft quoted counsel to maids and
cobblers. Here it is:
"The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as
much as the monk who prays — not because she may sing a Christian
hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian
shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on
the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in
good craftsmanship."
2. And here's the rousing conclusion to Decker's article:
"Housekeepers who sweep floors clean, shoemakers who make quality
shoes, governors who wisely administer, scientists who explore God’s
visible creation, and pastors and rostered lay ministers who use
their God-given skills to teach and preach the life and work of the
crucified, resurrected Lord of Life all have a place and role and
purpose in the world which God has made and loves through the Word
made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord."
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